Biography

Karith Foster is a professional speaker, author and diversity engagement specialist who for nearly two decades has taken her passion for entertaining and critical thinking nationwide: from the airwaves to organizations, from universities to corporations. She’s creating a seismic shift in mindsets and revolutionizing the way we address issues of diversity, leadership and self-care.

A former journalist and television producer, Karith gained notoriety when she became co-host of controversial radio personality Don Imus after his “Rutgers incident.” Karith is also a former Fortune 500 human resources executive administrator who, with her background of over 20 years in stand-up comedy, brings the perfect blend of humor, knowledge, and experience when conveying the ever-present need to address diversity, inclusion, and effective communication.

Karith has presented at the United Nations and to executives of the Chamber of Commerce C100, as well as at Harvard, Stanford, and colleges and universities across America. She leaves her audiences feeling engaged, connected, inspired and encouraged to commit to the journey of mutual respect, acceptance, and a greater sense of belonging.

She kicked off 2020 as a visiting expert for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program at Stanford University where she is a 7-time repeat guest lecturer for the Graduate School of Business course “Reputation Management.” In June of 2020, her book, “You Can Be Perfect or You Can Be Happy,” debuted at #14 in the Personal Transformation category on Amazon’s Best Seller List.

“If you can laugh at it you can get through it,” is not only her motto, but the invaluable lesson she seeks to instill in others. As a speaker, humorist, TV & radio personality, author, social entrepreneur, wife, and mother Karith’s sense of duty, service, along with her riotous sense of humor, have made her a positive force of change. The words“no” and “impossible” are not in her vocabulary as evidenced by her career path, life challenges, chosen adventures and desire to help others.

Karith holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications Broadcast Journalism from Stephens College and received her certificate in Fostering Inclusion and Diversity from the Yale School of Management in the spring of 2020.

Read More

Videos

Request Availability

Speech TopicsExpand each topic to learn more

Stereotyped 101

Stereotyped 101 takes the "division" out of traditional DEI programming by offering a truly inclusive way to communicate, learn, and create an environment vital to current employee, management and company success. Karith's INVERSITYTM model invites all members of her audience to C.A.R.E. so they leave with the enhanced tools of Conscious Empathy, Active Listening, Responsible Reactions and Environmental Awareness.

Perfect or Happy

Perfect or Happy is a humorous interactive presentation that reminds us we can choose perfection or happiness. Spoiler alert! While the former is an impossibility, by getting back to the B.A.S.I.C.S Karith masterfully guides her audience through navigating the crazy balancing act of life, work and social media so the end goal is to find happiness and peace in our imperfection.

The ABC's of 2020 Leadership

It is widely known and accepted that leaders must be smart, strong and capable. Yet, the most telling sign of true leadership is humility, grace and heart. This program addresses head- on the most simplistic method to gain discipline and have a practice of excellence in leadership.

The Humor Initiative

The Humor Initiative is designed to showcase the importance and power of humor in business culture by teaching multiple ways for participants to incorporate humor into their everyday lives, enhance their personal and professional relationships and successfully use humor and positive reinforcement to manifest desired outcomes and productivity.

The Art of Letting Go

The Art of Letting Go deep dives into how we can release habits, ideas, and situations that do not serve us and hold us back from personal and professional success. This engaging program reveals how by "letting go" we actually gain more than we could have ever anticipated- more freedom, more confidence, more knowledge, and more personal power.

You Are E.N.O.U.G.H.

You Are E.N.O.U.G.H. is a positive, high-energy, interactive presentation designed to cultivate growth and expose the pitfalls of negative internal dialogues that act as obstacles for living our best lives personally and professionally.

Can We Speak Freely?

Can We Speak Freely? at Work gives insight and understanding to navigate the world of political correctness by understanding it's not what you say but how it is presented. This program aims to educate employees on free speech, expression and creating communication awareness for an open exchange of ideas to benefit the professional environment.

P.I.V.O.T. to Your Purpose

The global pandemic of 2020 has taken the world by surprise. Adjusting to new ways of life, working, learning and communicating has never been more necessary. Being able to P.I.V.O.T. is critical to our success and survival both personally and professionally.

Testimonials

I am the coordinator that worked with our students to bring Karith to campus. Working with Karith was a dream. She is so easy to work and communicate with. Her professionalism and demeanor was great. She was so calm and collected during the process of getting her to campus, going through our tech check the day of and her meeting with the small group of students at lunch before the program was a great success. The presentation was timely on our campus. Her presentation skills and ability to relate to the audience she is performing to are totally professional. My take away was that we need more dialogue on the subject of stereotyping, especially to the students of today. Our campus has a great Diversity and Inclusion Effort as part of its mission and I have engaged in it. I hope to keep the conversation going and improve and enlarge its scope.
– Todd Olsen, UVUSA Senate Coordinator, UTAH VALLEY UNIVERSITY
The South Dakota Safety Council recently invited Karith to be a keynote speaker at our 26th Annual Safety & Health Conference in Sioux Falls on October 3, 2018. Our attendee feedback strongly showed they truly enjoyed and appreciated hearing from Karith on her Stereotyped 101 presentation. Diversity, inclusion, harassment and other tough topics are never a comfortable discussion to have, and oftentimes difficult to understand, in the workplace and beyond. But Karith put it into perspective and showed how individuals can have healthy discussions and be understanding of others without it being a confrontational or uncomfortable situation. Karith’s use of humor was a great way for attendees to learn about and develop strategies to deal with these topics. I am already on the lookout for other opportunities to bring Karith back as a speaker for our organization. I would highly recommend Karith for your next conference, meeting or event.
– Janie Ritter, Executive Director, South Dakota Safety Council
Without hesitation I recommend Karith Foster to other colleges and universities looking for an innovative and effective way to launch the touchy conversations of stereotype. Her approach would work effectively for undergrads as well as graduate students. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about her work here at Stanford.
– JD Schramm, Ed.D., Stanford University
We invited Karith for our Diversity Coalition’s Kick-Off Week. We chose [Stereotyped 101] to help introduce the coalition to campus because of its unique approach of using humor to foster dialogue on respect and equality for human differences. Her program was not only entertaining but educational. It was thought provoking and challenged participants to evaluate their behaviors and beliefs about difference. The material was well-received by students, faculty and staff alike.”
– Yvonne Chamberlain, Director of Leadership and Diversity, Stephens College
Feedback from our audience, women ranging from college interns to heads of corporations, has been overwhelmingly positive. Your style, wit, intelligence, and charm was exactly what the doctor ordered.
– Katerina Gkionis, Student Affairs Committee Member, New York Women in Communications Foundation

Booksby Karith Foster

You Can Be Perfect Or You Can Be Happy

Laugh Your Way to Happiness: 101 Ways to Have a Great Laugh

Blog Posts

Embrace Radical Generosity This Giving Tuesday

On Giving Tuesday, we’re embracing the power of radical generosity to transform communities and spark waves of kindness.

Read More

Celebrating Thanksgiving: Grateful Hearts, Bold Milestones

This Thanksgiving, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the journey—an adventure full of creativity, teamwork, and connection.

Read More

“Find a Way” Philosophy to Overcome Life’s Challenges

Motivational keynote speaker Merril Hoge shares his "Find a Way" philosophy to overcome life's challenges with accountability, resilience, and personal growth.

Read More

Transforming Events with Music to Create Unique Experiences

🎶 Listen and learn how SongDivision uses music to transform events, creating unforgettable moments of connection and creativity for businesses worldwide.

Read More

Five Life-Changing Lessons from Recording 100 Podcast Episodes

🎧 In this special podcast, we reflect on five life-changing lessons from recording 100 episodes, with insights from keynote speakers and event professionals.

Read More

Celebrating International Men’s Day: Fostering Positive Change and Health

On International Men's Day, we celebrate men’s contributions and tackle the challenges they face through the lens of six defining health pillars.

Read More

Related Speakers

Reviews & Ratings

Here's how toHit the mark with the perfect speaker!

1. Schedule a call

We’ll connect so we understand your needs to curate a selection of great speakers.

2. Book your speaker

We’ll manage all the details so you will be confident with your choice.

3. Wow your audience

Inform & educate your participants to ideas that transform their work & personal life.

Schedule a Call

Blog Posts

 

Embrace Radical Generosity This Giving Tuesday

As the season of gratitude unfolds, we're reminded of our shared humanity and the power...

Read More

Celebrating Thanksgiving: Grateful Hearts, Bold Milestones

🦃 This Thanksgiving, we at The Keynote Curators are reflecting on what truly matters—our community,...

Read More

“Find a Way” Philosophy to Overcome Life’s Challenges

Overcoming Challenges with Merril Hoge’s Find a Way Philosophy Challenges are a universal experience. Whether...

Read More

Transforming Events with Music to Create Unique Experiences

The Power of Music in Events Few things unite people as effortlessly as music. Whether...

Read More

Five Life-Changing Lessons from Recording 100 Podcast Episodes

How Creating a Podcast Can Transform Your Perspective in Life What if the simplest conversations...

Read More

Celebrating International Men’s Day: Fostering Positive Change and Health

On International Men's Day, we celebrate their contributions and tackle the challenges they face through...

Read More